SOMMERLAATTE
It is with profound sadness that the families of Delano A. “Lonnie” Sommerlatte, 85, announce his passing on the second day of February. Born Mar. 22, 1936, to
Born Mar. 22, 1936, to Henrietta Sommerlatte, Lonnie attended Eagle Lake schools, and graduated in 1955. Marrying his soul mate, Ernestine J. Davidson, on Sept. 4, 1955, Lonnie and Ernie spent 60 years as best friends, business partners, community service role-models, travel companions and devoted parents to their two children. Lonnie’s smile and sensible advice made him a steadfast friend and second father to many. A man of truth, fairness and honesty, Lonnie was a fixture in Eagle Lake as coffee shop mediator, rice field advisor, skillful card player, “the large man” at deer camp, and community leader.
Prior to becoming a rice famer, Lonnie worked at Tenneco Oil and Gas Company for 10 years. He served on boards of the American Rice Growers Association, Lower Colorado River Authority, The First National Bank, and Eagle Lake Golf Course and Recreation Center. Civically, he served Eagle Lake on City Council 1988-1991, 1997-2002, member of the Lions Club and faithfully attended United Methodist Church.
He is preceded in death by his wife Ernie Sommerlatte and son Keith Sommerlatte.
Lonnie is survived by his last love, Elda Williams; daughter Debbie Cameron and husband Jerry; daughter-in-law Tammy Sommerlatte; grandchildren Chris Cameron and wife Amy, Scott Cameron and wife Kristina, Samantha Sommerlatte, Kenna, Kara and Klay King; great-grandchildren Caroline, Cohen and Chloe Cameron, Annabelle Jordan, Evie and Olivia Cameron and Kamryn Nielsen.
Services were Tuesday, Feb. 8 at the United Methodist Church of Eagle Lake, with visitation at 10 a.m. and funeral services following at 11 a.m. Reverend Cathy McCorkle and Reverend Stan Warfield officiated. Burial followed at Lakeside Cemetery in Eagle Lake.
Pallbearers were Michael Thomas, John Myres, Chris Cameron, Scott Cameron, Cohen Cameron, Terry Krenek, Robby Cook and Billy Cook.
Honorary pallbearers were Joe Mike Spanihel, Jerry Cameron, Ray Skaggs, Major Benge, Johnny Prazak and Jeff Frnka.
Memorials may be given to Rice Medical Center Employee Volunteers, P.O. Box 277, Eagle Lake, TX 77434 or the United Methodist Church of Eagle Lake, 600 Prairie Ave, Eagle Lake, TX 77434
A very special thank you to Dr. Russell Thomas and all of the doctors and staff of the Eagle Lake Rice Medical Center.
Following the graveside service, lunch was served in the Fellowship Hall at the United Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.